Cosmetic dispenser

ABSTRACT

A dispenser for cosmetic materials includes a hollow body containing a flowable cosmetic material, a cap having a wand member with a cosmetic applicator tip that extends through a sleeve that limits the distance that the tip protrudes into the body, or through a screen/wiper tube inside the body, the tube including a distal opening that engages the tip as it passes through the opening and into contact with the cosmetic material when the cap is in contact with the body, and regulates the amount of cosmetic material carried by the tip as it is withdrawn from the cosmetic material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application claims priority from provisional application No. 60/731,182 filed Oct. 27, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention shares many features described in pending application Ser. No. 10/817,480. It concerns containers for housing and dispensing a cosmetic material which may be in liquid, gel or powder form. It includes applicators that operate in conjunction with a cosmetic control means for regulating the amount of cosmetic material that is carried from a reservoir in the dispenser housing to one's skin. Preferably, each use of an applicator results in the transfer of an amount of cosmetic that is suitable for an individual application. This is important in circumstances where a user is attempting to apply fine lines of cosmetic without the blurring effect of having a surplus of cosmetic on the applicator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a combination of four views of a first applicator tip with two beveled faces used with the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2B comprises an elevational cross-sectional view of a second alternative applicator tip showing a sleeve attached to the back end of the first applicator tip.

FIG. 2C comprises three views of a third alternative applicator tip having three beveled faces.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the cosmetic dispenser.

FIG. 4 comprises two views of the wiper member shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the cosmetic dispenser, which is also shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the cosmetic dispenser.

FIG. 7 comprises four views of a tapered tip assembly used with the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 comprises three views of a spine structure used with the tapered tip assembly shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view with a partial cross-section of the screened tube shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 shows a side elevation view in longitudinal cross section of a fifth embodiment of the cosmetic dispensers of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a side elevation view in cross section of the cap for the dispenser of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view in cross section of the vial for the dispenser of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the end plug for the dispenser of FIG.10.

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view in cross section of a sixth embodiment of the cosmetic dispensers of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the vial for the dispenser of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the cap for the dispenser of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the cap insert for the cap shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation of the screen for insertion into the vial shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the applicator rod for the dispenser of FIG. 14.

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the applicator that connects to the applicator rod of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the end plug for the vial shown in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the two main parts of the subject dispenser, namely, a cap 14 and a body 12. The cap and body are releasably connectable to enclose a cosmetic applicator means and a wiper/screen member.

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment 10 of the cosmetic dispenser of the invention comprising a hollow body or vial 12 having a closed end 17 and side walls 23 that define a cosmetic reservoir 50. The sidewalls extend upwardly to a reduced diameter body neck 13. The neck is provided with outer threads 15.

Secured to the inner surfaces of the neck is a wiper/screen member 44. As shown, this comprises an elongated tubular structure having a proximal end secured to the inner wall surfaces of the body neck 13. The distal end of the wiper/screen member comprises a wiper/screen opening 46 defined by wiper edges 47. Preferably, the wiper/screen member 44 has a longitudinal extent sufficient to locate the wiper opening 46 in the lower portion of the body proximate closed end 17. The wiper opening will have a configuration that will conform to the tip, or be smaller in one or more dimensions than the tip, so that a cosmetic material wiping and/or compression action will occur as the tip is withdrawn from reservoir 50.

Cap 14 comprises an elongated hollow structure having a closed top end 19 and an open bottom end that is enclosed by an applicator wand 16. The wand extends into the interior of cap 14 with a cupped head structure 18. Extending downwardly from the cupped head structure 18 is an outer peripheral skirt 20. The skirt includes inner threads 22, which are constructed to matingly engage corresponding neck outer threads 15. Such engagement comprises the releasable connection between the cap 14 and the body 12. However, snap rings and frictional engagement joints could also be used. The frictional engagement joints may include sealing structure to prevent product leakage or degradation through moisture dissipation.

The head structure 18 is fixed to the inside surfaces of cap 14. It includes an inwardly directed shoulder 21, from which extends downwardly, a hollow barrel 24. The barrel should have an axial extend sufficient to locate its distal end 26 proximate to wiper opening 46.

Fitted into the barrel distal end 26 is a first applicator tip 28. The applicator tip is constructed of a compressible material and the distal end 26 is crimped inwardly to secure the tip as shown in FIG. 2. Adhesives, fusion bonding and other known mechanical means could also be used.

With reference to FIG. 2A, the applicator tip comprises a tip back end portion 32 which is engaged by the aforementioned barrel distal end 26. The tip body portion 29 extends outwardly to a beveled forward edge 31. The forward edge is defined by mirror image opposing bevel faces 30 formed into the aforesaid body portion 29. The resulting configuration provides a wedge-shaped applicator tip that, due to the enlarged bevel face surface areas, can entrain an effective amount of cosmetic material. Also, the forward edge 31 allows the user to apply broad strokes of cosmetic material across one's skin. Additionally, upper point 33 of the forward edge is useful for applying cosmetic material to small, discrete areas on one's skin, and for forming fine lines on one's skin. As used herein, the term “entrain” comprehends cosmetic material that is absorbed into any existing tip filaments, pores or open cells or carried on the external surfaces of an applicator tip.

The first wedge tip 28 may optionally include a tip tail (see FIG. 2C) or a tip sleeve 34, as shown in FIG. 2B. The tip sleeve 34 includes a constricted end section 35, which presses into the back end portion 32 of the tip. The sleeve open end section 36 may be slid over the distal end of shaft 68, as shown and described with reference to FIG. 3.

A third tip variation, shown as tri-face tip 38, is depicted in FIG. 2C. The tip features three beveled faces for entraining larger amounts of cosmetic material. It comprises a tip tail 43 which is engagable with either barrel end 26 or sleeve 34 for subsequent attachment to the shaft end 70 as depicted in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the tip tail, with or without a sleeve, may be fitted into bore 86 of rod 82 as shown in FIG. 5.

The tri-face tip head has a conical shape and a central center point 41 from which extends flat sections 42. The flat sections, as shown, have equal diameters and have axes that are 120° apart. The size, shape and orientation of the flat sections can be varied as dictated by the end user needs and cosmetic formulations.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment 60 of the overall dispenser. In this embodiment, the same cap 14 and body 12 are used, including the aforementioned wiper member 44. However, the applicator wand, shown as rod 62, does not include a cupped head. Instead, a flat head 64 is provided, from which extends downwardly an outer peripheral flange 64 having flange inner threads 66. The flange inner threads correspond to neck outer threads 15 of the hollow body 12. The flange outer surfaces are secured to the inner surfaces of the cap 14 in the same manner as with the first embodiment 10.

The rod 62 comprises a solid shaft 68 having a shaft end 70. The shaft end engages the tip sleeve 34 of tip 28 shown in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section and end view of the flat head wiper member 44 used in the dispensers shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. It is secured to the inner walls of neck 13. Preferably, annular rim 45 of the wiper member rests upon the top edge of the neck and the member.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the overall dispenser assembly 80. The same cap 14 and body 12 are used in this embodiment as with the previous assemblies. However, a third rod 82 is provided having a rod end 84 into which is formed a longitudinal bore 86. The bore's diameter is sized to engage the tip back-end portion 32 of first tip 28, or tip tail 43 of tri-face tip 38.

FIGS. 6-9 show an overall fourth cosmetic dispensing assembly 90. In this assembly, the third rod 82 and bore 86 are fitted with a reinforced tapered tip assembly 92. The tip assembly includes a stiffening spine 94 comprising a spine stem 96 and a spine head 98 overlaid with a tip cover 100. The spine head is a flattened structure having curved outer edges 99 that define an oval-shaped outline similar to an arrowhead. The spine stem 96 is dimensioned to fit within bore 86 and is secured thereto by adhesives, frictional engagement, or mechanical means.

FIG. 7 depicts thin spine head 98 being overlaid with tip head cover 100. The cover has opposing flat side walls 102, which are interconnected by rounded corners 105 to opposing side panels 103. The side panels and side walls taper outwardly from an open back-end 106 (not shown), and then curve inwardly via side panels 103. The side panels and side walls taper forwardly and merge into a nose portion 104. Nose portion 104 is useful for drawing lines and for applying cosmetic materials in tight, hard to reach areas. Side walls 102 are useful for applications of cosmetic materials to broader areas. To assemble the tapered tip assembly 92, the open back-end 106 is pulled over spine head 98 until the cover is entirely overlying the spine head. The cover may remain in place due to its inherent resilience and/or it may be clamped or adhered in place.

In the fourth embodiment 90, the wiper/screen member 44 and wiper opening 46 are replaced with a tapered closed-end screen structure 108. The screen structure comprises a screen tube 110 extending axially from screen collar 112 to a tapered nose portion 115 having a tube end 114. As best shown in FIG. 9, the nose portion is provided with nose openings shown as perforations 116 and slots 118. The number and orientation of perforations and slots, the geometry and area openings of each, function as cosmetic control means for regulating the amount of cosmetic material that moves from reservoir 50 to an applicator tip. The nose openings are predetermined to coordinate with the flow characteristics of the cosmetic material that is to be used with the selected dispenser. This coordination, in turn, will determine the amount of material that is entrained into and upon the tip head cover 100. It can be seen that the spine head 98, tip head cover 100 and nose portion 115 have corresponding cross-sectional shapes to facilitate a close engagement and effective flow of material from reservoir 50 to the applicator tip.

FIG. 10, together with FIGS. 11-13, shows another dispenser embodiment 100, in side elevation cross-sectional view. Dispenser 100 includes vial 101, end plug 102, friction fit cap 103, cap insert 104, including longitudinal bore 105, applicator tip head 106, applicator stem 108, tip cover 107, and screen 109. Applicator head 106/head cover 107 extends into cosmetic housing reservoir 120 of vial 101. When dispenser 100 is shaken, inverted or tilted, cosmetic material from reservoir 120 adheres to head cover 107. When head 107 is withdrawn from dispenser 100, head 107 may pass through distal opening 109A in screen 109, wiping off/screening off undesired, excess cosmetic material, leaving a desired quantity of cosmetic material on head cover 109 for application to a desired skin area. However, as FIG. 10 shows, if the cosmetic material may degrade when subjected to screening, only a portion of applicator head 107 may protrude past distal opening 109A of screen 109 to allow the cosmetic material to attach. Then, when head 107 is withdrawn, no screening or wiping of the material occurs.

FIG. 11 shows an elevation view of cylindrically-shaped cap 103, which includes closed end 110, open end 111, and, on the interior wall 117 of cap 103, circumferential rings or grooves 112, and 113 to engage frictionally the external end wall of vial 101. Cap insert 104 fits frictionally into cap 103, with rings or grooves 114-116 engaging the external surface of insert 104.

FIG. 12 shows a side elevation view in cross-section of vial 101. Vial 101 includes cylindrically-shaped reservoir 120 in communication with cylindrically-shaped neck portion 121. At the opening 112 to portion 121 are internal, circumferential sealing rings 125. At the opening 123 to cosmetic reservoir 120 are internal, circumferential rings 124, which lie in an area 126 where the walls of region 120 taper inwardly from opening 123.

FIG. 13 shows end plug 130 in a side elevation cross sectional view. End plug 130 includes flat-surfaced end wall 131, and cylindrically-shaped sidewall 132 with spaced-apart cylindrical protrusions 133 and 134. End plug 130 fits frictionally into opening 123 in vial 101, with end wall 131 extending to the external surface 135 of vial 101, after vial 101 is filled with a desired cosmetic material, resulting in a seal that can withstand up to about 25 Hg of vacuum and can resist weight loss of the enclosed material for about 60 days at 45 degrees C.

FIG. 14, together with FIGS. 15-21, shows another embodiment 200 of the new dispensers in side elevation, cross-sectional view. FIG. 14 shows oval-shaped applicator 200 includes oval-shaped vial 201, oval-shaped end plug 202, oval-shaped cap 203, cap insert 204, wiper/screen 205, applicator rod 206, and applicator 207. On the internal wall surface 218 at the oval-shaped opening 216 to reservoir 291 are circumferential rings or grooves 214 which add end plug 208 retention and sealing by engaging complementary structure on the end plug.

FIG. 15 shows, in side elevation, cross-sectional view, oval-shaped vial 201 for applicator 200, including oval-shaped reservoir 210, in communication with oval-shaped neck portions 211 and 212 of narrower diameter than region 210. On the internal wall surface 217 at the opening 215 to portion 212 are circumferential rings or grooves 213. On the internal wall surface 218 at the oval-shaped opening 216 to reservoir 201 are circumferential rings or grooves 214.

FIG. 16 shows, in side elevation, cross-sectional view cap 203 for applicator 200, including oval-shaped sidewall 231, curved external end wall 230, curved internal end wall 233, circumferential, internal groove 234 and circumferential internal ring or protrusion 235. Cap opening 232 fits frictionally over neck region 211 of vial 201 to hold cap 203 in place on vial 201.

FIG. 17 shows cap insert 204 in side elevation, cross-sectional view, including cylindrically-shaped sidewall 242, convexly curved surface internal and concavely curved surface external end walls 241 and 247, external flange 243, end opening 245, and internal, circumferential rings or grooves 244 and 246. Insert 204 fits frictionally into cap 203, with end wall 241 abutting internal end wall 233. Internal grooves or rings 244 at the distal end of the cap insert engage external surface 323 of reservoir 201 to form the primary sealing and retention interface to the top of the dispenser.

FIG. 18 shows screen/wiper 205 in side elevation, cross-sectional view, including cylindrically-shaped passage 250, proximal end opening 252, distal end opening 251, proximal external end flange 253, proximal, circumferential external ring 254, and inwardly-tapering end portion 256, with internal, rounded surface 255 at opening 251. Screen/wiper 205 fits frictionally into vial 201 through opening 215.

FIG. 19 shows applicator rod 206 in side elevation, cross-sectional view. Applicator rod 206 includes cylindrically-shaped shaft 260, distal, cylindrically-shaped passage 261, proximal, cylindrically-shaped portion 266, with proximal opening 263. On the external surface of portion 266 are circumferential protrusion 267, and a plurality of parallel, spaced apart, longitudinally-extending ribs 262. Rod 206 fits frictionally inside cap insert 204, which fits frictionally within cap 203. When so assembled, rod 206 protrudes from the open end 232 of cap 203

FIG. 20 shows, in side elevation, cross-sectional view, applicator 207 for insertion into passage 261 of applicator rod 205, with stem 271 of rod 207 frictionally fitting into passage 261. Stem 271 is connected to applicator head 272 and its outer foam covering 273 through stem end 274, which fits frictionally into head 272.

FIG. 21 shows, in side elevation, cross-sectional view, vial end plug 208, including flat end wall 280, oval-shaped sidewall 281 and keyway 282 for engagement with complementary protrusion on the internal sidewall of vial 201 near oval opening 216. After vial 201 is filled with a cosmetic material through opening 216 in vial 201, plug 208 is inserted into vial 201, with or without an o-ring. frictionally engaging the rings or grooves 214 inside opening 216.

It will be appreciated that one of the advantages of the invention is the adaptability of the bore and stem connection to be designed whereby the tips can be exchanged by a user. In such case, the tip/bore connection may be threaded or simply comprise a tight, frictional connection. Thus, depending on the cosmetic material being used and the needs of the user, a variety of sizes and shapes of the tip can be utilized.

Additionally, the tips may be constructed of a porous or non-porous rubber, fabric mesh, felt material, foamed polymers or sponge material. In the case of the spine, when this is combined with a soft foam outer layer tip, a controlled, accurate cosmetic application can be achieved. The nose portion shown has particular suitability for use with a powder inasmuch as the perforations can be sized to inhibit any powder spillage. The location of the screen adjacent the lower region of the reservoir also inhibits spillage.

It will be appreciated that while the foregoing descriptions set forth different embodiments in specific detail, alterations, variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the inventors desire to avail themselves of all such variations, alterations and/or modifications, and the invention should not be limited by the aforesaid above-described specific embodiments. 

1. A cosmetic dispenser comprising: a hollow body containing a flowable cosmetic material, said body having a neck defining a neck opening; a cap having a wand member with a cosmetic applicator tip that extends through said neck opening into contact with said cosmetic material when said cap is in contact with said body; a cosmetic control means connected to said neck for regulating the amount of cosmetic material carried by said tip as it is withdrawn from said cosmetic material and moved out of the neck opening; and, said cosmetic control means comprising a wiper member with an end opening having a size and shape that corresponds to the size and shape of said applicator tip for the purpose of regulating the amount of cosmetic material on the applicator tip per movement of said tip through said end opening.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said cosmetic control means is a semi-rigid plastic or a resilient elastomer.
 3. The method for dispensing a cosmetic material contained in a vial wherein the vial has an outlet enclosed with a removable cap from which extends a rod with a distal end to which is attached a cosmetic applicator tip, said vial having a hollow member with an opening having a defined shape comprising: a) providing an applicator tip for entraining at least an effective dose of cosmetic material, said tip having a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the shape of said opening; b) moving said tip through said opening and into said cosmetic material; c) allowing the cosmetic material to be entrained by said tip; and, d) moving said tip from said cosmetic material through said opening, causing any cosmetic material being carried by said tip in excess of the amount needed for an effective dose to be wiped away.
 4. A cosmetic dispenser comprising: a hollow body containing a flowable cosmetic material, said body having a neck defining a neck opening; a cap having a wand member with a cosmetic applicator tip that extends through said neck opening and through a screen/wiper tube inside said hollow body, said tube including a distal opening of a size and shape for engaging said tip as it passes through said distal opening and into contact with said cosmetic material when said cap is in contact with said body, said distal opening regulating the amount of cosmetic material carried by said tip as it is withdrawn from said cosmetic material and moved out of the neck opening; and, said distal opening having a size and shape that corresponds to the size and shape of said applicator tip for the purpose of regulating the amount of cosmetic material on the applicator tip as said tip passes through said distal opening.
 5. The dispenser of claim 4 wherein said tube fits frictionally inside said hollow body.
 6. The dispenser of claim 4 wherein said cap includes an internal, friction fit insert that holds said wand member inside said cap.
 7. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein said wand member fits frictionally inside said insert.
 8. The dispenser of claim 7 wherein said applicator tip fits frictionally inside a passage in the distal end of said wand member.
 9. The dispenser of claim 8 wherein said hollow body includes an opening at its distal end for placing said cosmetic material inside said hollow body, and said dispenser includes an end plug that fits frictionally inside the opening at the distal end of said hollow body.
 10. The dispenser of claim 4 wherein said wand member fits frictionally inside said cap.
 11. The dispenser of claim 10 wherein said applicator tip fits frictionally inside a passage in the distal end of said wand member.
 12. The dispenser of claim 4 wherein said hollow body includes an opening at its distal end for placing said cosmetic material inside said hollow body, and said dispenser includes an end plug that fits frictionally inside the opening at the distal end of said hollow body.
 13. A cosmetic dispenser comprising: a hollow body containing a flowable cosmetic material, said body having a neck defining a neck opening; a cap having a wand member with a cosmetic applicator tip that extends through said neck opening into contact with said cosmetic material when said cap is in contact with said body; a cosmetic control sleeve connected to said neck for limiting the distance that said tip protrudes into said body for the purpose of regulating the amount of cosmetic material on the applicator tip.
 14. The dispenser of claim of claim 1 wherein said body includes an opening at its distal end for placing said cosmetic material inside said body, and said dispenser includes an end plug that fits frictionally inside the opening, and forms a vacuum seal at, the distal end of said body.
 15. The dispenser of claim of claim 13 wherein said body includes an opening at its distal end for placing said cosmetic material inside said body, and said dispenser includes an end plug that fits frictionally inside the opening, and forms a vacuum seal at, the distal end of said body. 